RobertofLadywellVillage

Q: Mixing Video in Final Cut Pro X

I am new to Final Cut Pro X. I would like to be able to mix video tracks in a similar way to audio tracks i.e. as I can raise and lower the volume of audio I would like to do the same for the video tracks rather than just have the video on the upper track predominate.

 

Is there a particular video tutorial or manual that can guide me through this?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8), Using i movie 6HD and Final Cut Ex.

Posted on Nov 4, 2015 6:31 AM

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Q: Mixing Video in Final Cut Pro X

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  • by Luis Sequeira1,Helpful

    Luis Sequeira1 Luis Sequeira1 Nov 4, 2015 8:47 AM in response to RobertofLadywellVillage
    Level 6 (12,500 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 4, 2015 8:47 AM in response to RobertofLadywellVillage

    From wikipedia:

    "Compositing is the combining of visual elements from separate sources into single images, often to create the illusion that all those elements are parts of the same scene".

     

    When you combine several video elements into the same image, there are several parameters involved.

    The closest analogue to "volume" that I can think of is "opacity", but the way several video sources combine is very different from audio.

    Different audio sources can be added together - e.g. a voice, a music track and and sound effects can play at the same time.

     

    With video, if you want to combine several elements, you can play with size, position, rotation, opacity and blend modes, besides a plethora of effects, all affecting the end result.

    An opaque video completely covers anything below it, as you experienced. That is how it is supposed to be.

    You can reduce the opacity in order for a lower-placed clip to be partially visible below a clip above.

    You can also play with the "blend modes" to modify how the two or more clips are combined.

    And you can resize, reposition and rotate clips so that all appear at the same time occupying different parts of the frame.

    That is how, for example, you create a split-screen effect or picture-in-picture effect.

  • by RobertofLadywellVillage,

    RobertofLadywellVillage RobertofLadywellVillage Nov 4, 2015 8:49 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Video
    Nov 4, 2015 8:49 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

    This is very helpful, thank you. Can you gradually increase and decrease opacity?

  • by Luis Sequeira1,Solvedanswer

    Luis Sequeira1 Luis Sequeira1 Nov 4, 2015 9:04 AM in response to RobertofLadywellVillage
    Level 6 (12,500 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 4, 2015 9:04 AM in response to RobertofLadywellVillage

    RobertofLadywellVillage wrote:

     

    This is very helpful, thank you. Can you gradually increase and decrease opacity?

     

    Yes, you can. Just set keyframes at the appropriate places and FCP X will interpolate between them.

    Use the + button to add a keyframe.

     

    Screenshot 2015-11-04 at 17.03.38.png

  • by RobertofLadywellVillage,

    RobertofLadywellVillage RobertofLadywellVillage Nov 4, 2015 9:09 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Video
    Nov 4, 2015 9:09 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

    Many thanks, Luis.